Guardian (2018)

Okay, this drama is hard to review for me. I really, REALLY loved the main characters and the actors who played them. Loved their chemistry. Loved the concepts presented in the show (even if they were different from the novel, which I have started a little bit of but haven't finished). I also think it started off a lot stronger than they ended it. There were so many things that I think they should've done just a little differently that would've made it so much better in the end. I had to have spoilers in here to be able to talk about some of those things.

*~*SPOILERS AHEAD*~*
1. Let's see...firstly get your story straight on whether Shen Wei actually waited for 10,000 years or if he was "asleep" till close to the present. I think the story is so much more impactful if he was awake for that time, since he did say he waited for Zhao Yunlan for 10,000 years. Kind of in relation to that, the show made it seem like he only knew him for one day and then he proceeded to wait for him for 10,000 years. I think it might have subtly hinted that Zhao Yunlan spent more than one day in the past, but if so, it definitely wasn't clear.

2. Almost everything about Ye Zun lol. Like, he had such potential. And it wasn't fair for him to look like that (Zhu Yilong you handsome man!). His backstory, though, wasn't built up enough for me. Like, what were his motives really? I would rather have had a lot more happen in the past between him and Shen Wei. But even then, I thought they were going to go the brother complex route and they didn't exactly, because once Shen Wei was dead (sort of), Ye Zun kind of just moved on? Idk...and don't get me started on his powers. He sucked up people through his nose? and they were just hanging out inside of him alive until they were sloooowwwlyy digested/consumed? Okay I'm circling back to the fact that after reaching adulthood (10,000 years in the past), Ye Zun and Shen Wei had one interaction. One. ONE. Why was Shen Wei so convicted against his brother and the fact that he was evil and whatnot? Idk man. They should have stretched out the past episodes more and developed a better backstory.

3. Okay, I just got to the end of my review and then I remembered this point that I can't go without mentioning. Why...whyyyy did the undergrounder that was in Zhao Yunlan's dad have to take Zhao Yunlan's body in the end? I did not like that at all. Like, could he have not gone into any other dead body? I'm not sure the logistics (because nothing in this show makes sense), but. It seems like it wasn't absolutely necessary that he take his body. Anyway...now that's just a complaint. But I really didn't like it.
*~*END OF SPOILERS*~*

Okay, I have much more, but at this point, not sure if I being helpful or just listing every little thing I didn't like about it. I will end this review by saying that even with the show's flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed watching it! Like, you might have to suspend your disbelief for a lot of it, because a lot of things don't make sense. BUT. The characters and their relationships (mainly Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan) are so good. Like, I loved all their interactions. And I loved Zhu Yilong and Bai Yu who played them. Loved it.

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My random thoughts about this series after watching it on youtube under yoyo.
Firstly, story wise it’s all good knowing that it is beyond science and lil bit of fantasy. I’m a hardcore bl fan (Mainly Thai). Binge-watched chinese bl dramas and most of the time adaptations are far from their original manhua due to china’s policy. This right here is one of example, many Chinese bl has a depressing ending though this one right here I don’t know how you’ll react on the end part but I reacted as genuinely contented due to the fact that they diverted the story however provided justice for ML/MC til the end.
Second, the main lead lovers are so damn adorable ? though (spoiler) kissing, hugging and other intimate scenes can’t be found in the series yet words of affirmations are there to supplement their love story. And that my friend is a huge turn on cause it makes more manly which is hard to come by in real world of straight men being bended due to love. Though the relationship labeling was downgraded to special friendship that’s how it is in reality if two men are straight and started to have feelings for each other. None of them will confess truthfully to each other yet you can see their eyes ? kissing ? and this is where the words of affirmation comes in. ??‍♂️
Third, actors were so damn good!!!! A lot of cry babies and scenes that will pull you through the entire series and how premature love grow from regular friendship to ——-hmm special friendship hehe *boozooo not gonna spoil the fun*
Forth, PLOT TWIST is so damn good :) along with how the both Main Lead meet each other for the first time and how memories turns to reality.

Side note: this is a chinese bl and is restricted to some intimate scenes of boys love. So Ur imagination is your limit . ???
I totally enjoyed this series though it’s not like other BL series that gives you ideal stories like TharnType- 2gether - WhyRYou- Sotus and other Hardcore BLs out there but if you grasp the true meaning of love and let your imagination run along with reality bites then this is for you my friend .

BONUS ? :::::
There are two bl couple in this story so better find out who and drop it on the reply section ?

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Geralmente não gosto de comparações, mas quando algo é adaptado de uma novel sempre o procuro para ler enquanto assisto, por isso é inevitável comparar. O que é bom e ruim, mas me fez ter uma base. essa resenha será baseada nisso, tentarei não dar muitos spoilers tanto para o drama em si, quanto para a novel.

Primeiro li a novel, quando já tinha lido uns 40 capítulos decidi ver o drama. Entendo que em uma adaptação nem sempre se é cem por cento fiel ao original, mas se deve eticamente respeito ao criador original, Guardian é uma releitura super modificada, até em coisas que não precisavam. Vi que há um possível filme com outros atores, espero que lá seja um pouco mais fiel à obra original.

Na novel mesmo sendo humano, Yunlan é bem poderoso e desenvolto, com seus talismãs, arma e chicote, justamente por isso ele é o guardião e chefe, mas senti que no drama eles diminuíram muito isso para destacar apenas os não humanos. Também teve mudanças com Chu e Lin, Chu é magrinho na novel e Lin um monge diferentão, muitas dessas o fato religião pode ter interferido para censuram.

Achei interessante transformar Daqing em um humano mais rápido, na novel podia se transformar em objetos também, adorei que mantiveram a cena do Guo e Chu, apesar de uma pequena alteração e por fim, amei que no fim dos episódios tinha um pouco dos bastidores das filmagens, isso era bem legal.

Os atores deram tudo de si, dava para sentir só com seus olhares. E por essa química que acho mesmo as modificações não impedem de ver o amor de Yunlan e Shen Wei, sem contar as pequenas, porém raras dicas deixadas pelo ar do relacionamento deles.

O final teve traços do original, mas ainda prefiro o da novel. Este é o terceiro BL que vejo, apesar e ela fingir que não é, percebi que a China, não só invalida censurando como também insiste que deve haver um final triste/infeliz, como se indiretamente ou não, dissesse que reprova a existência do relacionamento homossexual e que o mesmo só leva a desgraça. Quando isso terá um fim? Mas isso também me levou a analisar o quanto está evoluindo, espero mais diretores e roteiristas tenham mais coragem como os de Word of Honor e que tenha outros que tenham o compromisso de entregar um trabalho mais completo e igualitário a novel como The Untamed.

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Best acting bl drama ever!

This is not the first bl drama I ever watch Busy is the first one make me stay and wow I can’t tell you have much I love it because I have all the love sick sentiments my heart beat fast with excitement every time a episode came out. Bai Yu and Yi long chemistry is undeniable.
The acting was too-notch, both of them is are such amazing actors. I’m a guardian girl! I’m been following all their dramas ever since. I wish hope dream that they have another drama like this together and I heard it might came true with silent reading because the characters sound like them.

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Good but could have been great

The first twenty episodes were really impressive, but the standard drops somewhat in the second half of the series despite some really ingenious scenes. The scene where the characters start showing a split personality is hilarious, and I see it as the equivalent of showing a hidden middle finger and making a face behind the back of the censors.

It's a pity that some Chinese productions seem to have the potentials to make BL dramas that would easily put the bulk of Thai and other BL dramas to shame but are hampered by ridiculous censorship laws. Still, the entire Guardian team has managed to pull of something quite stunning for 39 episodes. The BL elements from the source material are removed but one does not even have to fantasize about the love the two main characters have for each other because it's so darn obvious despite not being directly expressed. Including obvious supernatural elements under the pretext that everything can be explained by science (even if science can't already explain it) is clever and almost pushes the series to the level of satire, but this is never blatant. Unfortunately, the ending was a bit of a disappointment--it's not very clear what is going on and it seems hurried. The plot is also less well developed in the second half and has some plot holes that could have been avoided because they are just minor details (like how one of the characters claims that he has learnt first aid and knows how to dress someone's would in an earlier episode but is later said to be totally unskilled in dressing wounds).

Certain parts of the dialogue have been dubbed over. I have read that it is because of censorship, but I can't imagine how the characters could even be saying something that the censors would object to in many of these scenes. Whatever the reason is, the dubbing does affect the viewing experience though not to the extent of making the show unwatchable.

The series is clearly one that could have been great but fails to fully fulfill its potential due to external factors like censorship. It's a pity. Still, the series manages to be quite good despite the unevenness of the second half and is worth a watch.

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Watch it for the chemistry, not for the plot or production

I mean, this was my very first C-drama, bromance one too. I had very little expectations for the series and I loved every second of it. Plus, I am planning to re-watch it so that I can experience the beautiful chemistry of the two leads once more.
Let's be real here: the plot and production value is subpar. It is apparent that the budget was cut halfway through so the CGI is oftentimes horrendeous, there are no extras in certain areas, the props are also cheaply made. Also, this series balances on the very edge of all the issues that are censored in China (BL, magic, ghosts, time travel, etc.). Meaning, the series is very very different from the novel and some things are not really explained to avoid further censorship. One thing I did not understand in the series was how come that Zhao Yunlan is a Guardian.. HOW?! He is just a regular human in the series. Nothing supernatural about him, really.
Some of the dubbing was also quite bad - why were some phrases/voices dubbed?

The best thing about the series are the main actors. They are SO GOOD! The way they portray the BL relationship is amazing and everyone knows that they are not just friends. All the little glances, touches, stares, reactions communicate well that the guys are actually in love with each other.
I completely understand why this drama is so loved but also criticized in terms of the plot development or production. Yet, I think that anyone interested in BL/bromance/censored dramas should check it out.

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Une amitié (bromance) qui dure...

Guardian connaît un bon casting avec de bonnes intrigues (quoiqu'un peu trop nombreuses).

Il n'échappera à personne, le duo formé par Zhao Yun Lan, le responsable des enquêtes spéciales et Shen Wei (incarnant aussi BCE et YZ), un professeur d'université en génie biologique. Deux caractères opposés. Le premier qui n'a pas sa langue dans sa poche et extraverti, le second discret et introverti.
Mais derrière cette mauvaise entente passagère, on y découvre une amitié vieille de 10.000 ans.
Clairement vendue comme une bromance, l'idée fonctionne au travers des jeux de regards ou de quelques phrases subtilement glissées ici et là. Le duo ne cesse d'évoluer tant ensemble qu'individuellement.

Cependant, Guardian connaît beaucoup de longueurs avec des épisodes qui traînent et semblent sans fin. On note aussi des trous scénaristiques ainsi qu'une multitudes de sous-intrigues ayant peu d'intérêt.
Les décors ne sont pas des plus ravissants et donnent clairement cette impression de ship. Quant aux effets spéciaux, ce n'est pas non plus un argument de vente.

Quoiqu'il en soit, Guardian offre des personnages charismatiques et pour lesquels on aime passer du temps à découvrir. Malgré ses sous-intrigues brouillonnes et inutiles, on ne peut qu'admirer l'aisance de Zhu Yi Long qui tient ses trois rôles avec brio.

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Sebenarnya saya ini dilemma. This drama could do better!
Untuk alurnya bagus, dan tenang! Bagi yang gasuka BL, produsennya keep it bromance! Saya suka sampai pas puncaknya, kayaknya endingnya terlalu rusuh. Mungkin karena diburu waktu dan biayanya kurang? Entahlah. Tapi bisa lebih baik menurut saya.
Castingnya oke!!! Pas banget buat characternya dan dapet feelnya.
Musiknya pun pas. Seneng saya dan dagdigdug gitu kalo pemeran utamany dn ZYL udah muncul dan berduaan, lol.
Rewatch? Maaybe lebih condong ke no sih. Gantung dan rusuh endingnya, aku kurang suka. Atau mungkin di novelnya memang begitu? Saya belum selesai baca soalnya. Belum complete ditranslate ke inggris haha. Dan seingatku MLnya harusnya lebih dark dari yang di LA, but its okay~
Overall it's good but it could be better. Tapi karena novel BL jarang dijadiin LA dan saya kepo jadi deh nonton hehehe. Dan CGInya omg saya belum terbiasa kali ya jadi menurut saya its so baad xD. Dan lumayan juga 50 episode, harus tahan dengan cginya yg kurang mulus hehehe.

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One of the best chinese bromance and really funny

Production : Unfortenately, this was a serie with a low budget for the production. What I mean is that for some scene you can see it's really fake and the visuals effects was not the best. Plus, some places were reuse so it was a bit confusing. But overall it was decent.

Story : For the story, it was really good and you don't get really bored because of the multiples cases who last 3 episodes. Plus, the story with the lifes of everyone is interesting.

Acting : OMG ! Their acting performance is perfect. All the actors are good and the CHEMISTRY between Professor Shen and Yun Lan is absolutely beautiful.

I'm sure that without the censorship of China their story would be amazing.

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Okay....so aside from the hokey title this drama was a solid 9. The plot was pretty good, but the cast is where its at. These actors are really really good. They take on their parts, and play them to the end
Even characters that are around for a little while are so good. The effects can be a bit lacking, fake blood is obvious, and its hilarious how many scenes forget to put back the fx but its not super bad. Basically this is about SID, and their ragtag team of protectors. They protect the city from supposed bad guys who come from underground. It's all about perspective, and the shades of grey in life. The end is a little too GM for me, but other than that its good. When I first started this I couldn't tell which way the director was going, but it didn't dissappoint. Either way if you can look past the fx its worth a watch or two.

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This is my second Chinese live action series which is based on BL novel after The Untamed and it has positive and negative aspects.
First of all, storywise is not the best sometimes to the point of confusing and doesn't really make sense. It doesn't follow the novel exactly since they have to rewrite the whole story to avoid censorship. But I really hoped they could've done better job to make it more logical and easier to follow. The CG effects are also quite bad and seems like a cheap production. The acting of the supporting cast are also not very memorable and some of them are downright third-rate performance.
The only saving grace of this series is the superb acting skills and amazing chemistry between two leads, Bai Yu (Zhao Yunlan) and Zhu Yilong (Shen Wei). Man, they are so pleasant to watch, from their interaction, dialogue and micro expressions between them. Gentle and beautiful Shen Wei and shameless Zhao Yunlan, it is as if they come straight out of novel to real life. To be honest, I watch this series and give good rating just because of them. Oh and the soundtrack too! Especially their duet song"Flying Across Time", it's really good and give you some feelings of their relationship.
I would recommend you to watch this, regardless of the story and quality of production, just watch for the main leads performance and you won't be disappointed :)

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